Research interests

About

Kimberly Silk is Special Projects Officer for the Integrated Digital Scholarship Ecosystem (IDSE) project at the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN). CRKN is a partnership of Canadian universities, dedicated to expanding digital content for the academic research enterprise in Canada. As project manager for IDSE, Kim is developing the map of existing initiatives in the academic library space, advancing the roadmap for pursuing opportunities and delivering to the project plan while working closely with member institutions and other stakeholders.
Previous to joining CRKN in April 2015, Kim was the Data Librarian at the Martin Prosperity Institute (MPI), Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. At MPI, she developed integrated library and research services to support the MPI research process at every stage, from hypothesis development and literature review to data discovery, citation management, publication and distribution. Kim is a strong advocate for demonstrating the value of the librarian in an academic research context, and believes that this approach is key to the success of 21st century librarianship.
Through her work at the MPI, Kim conducted and co-authored “So Much More: The Economic Impact of Toronto Public Library on the City of Toronto,” published in 2013 and the first library economic impact study of its kind in Canada. As a consultant, she continues to work with public libraries across Canada to extend this methodology. She has recently applied for a SSHRC Partnership Development Grant to develop a new assessment and impact measurement model for Canadian public libraries. Kim’s previous work experience includes working with the Discovery Channel and Rogers, giving her an insight into the opportunity for and value of public-private partnerships.
Kim is actively involved as a volunteer in the library community, currently serving on the SLA Board as Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect and is an enthusiastic proponent of the role of the library and librarians.
Kim received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Waterloo, followed by a Master of Library Science at the University of Toronto. In addition, Kim has taken courses in strategic and knowledge management from Queen's School of Business and the Schulich School of Business. In 2008, Kim was recognized with the U of T Arbor Award for volunteer service.